The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce today announced that it opposes the ballot measure aimed at legalizing marijuana.

The Chamber becomes the second major business group to do so, following the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, whose members last month opposed the initiative.

The main reason cited by Mike Huckins, Vice President of Public Affairs, was headaches for businesses.

“This measure would cause significant ambiguity for businesses to regulate a drug-free workplace. In addition to the social-economic downside of marijuana legalization, this is not in the best interest of Valley businesses and Arizona as a whole,” Huckins said in a press release.

Marijuana legalization would lead to an increase of unproductivity, absenteeism on the job, and result in serious repercussions for workplace safety, chamber officials argued.

President and CEO Todd Sanders echoed those concerns, and cautioned that legalizing marijuana would “open the door for employees across all industry sectors to potentially show up for work under the influence of marijuana.”

To access the May 11 edition of the Arizona Capitol Times’ Yellow Sheet Report, click here.

Posted by Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce supports business growth and drives economic development in the region by helping members stay connected and prosperous, growing the economy through Phoenix Forward, our collaborative economic development partnership, and advocating for pro-business policies.